Rio Bueno, a small seaside village on the border between the parishes of St Ann and Trelawny, owes its importance, history and livelihood to the magnificent Rio Bueno Harbour. The Rio Bueno Harbour is the deepest in Jamaica, perhaps one of the reasons why Columbus dropped anchor there on his first visit to Jamaica. The village sprung up during the early days of English Colonialism as a way stop for both maritime and overland visitors, and it traditionally housed highly acclaimed taverns, guesthouses and inns. By the late 1800s the town was almost deserted, a shadow of its former self, but was then resurrected by the construction of a bauxite-shipping wharf in the mid-1900s. Through it all, the village remains a picturesque gem steeped in history, with its old fort, warehouses and churches set against the water’s edge with the green hills of Trelawny as its backdrop.

Blue Hole is one of those breathtaking water attractions in Jamaica that’s a favorite for both locals and visitors to the island. It’s a crowd-pleaser that has not been privatized, meaning it’s free to access and you’ll only be paying for your guide which you will discover is well worth the few bucks. It’s close enough to Ocho Rios and awe-inspiring enough for you to make this trip a priority when visiting Jamaica.